Parker Creek Falls (Sierra Ancha)

Parker Creek Falls is an 80-foot waterfall along its namesake creek in Gila County.  The waterfall is located in the Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest in Tonto National Forest.

Hike Length: 4.6 miles
Estimated Time: 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Location: Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest (Pleasant Valley Ranger District of Tonto National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes, but trail is not dog friendly
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery, the descent into the canyon is extremely steep over loose gravel
Trailhead GPS: 33.78706,-110.97111
Waterfall GPS: 33.77033,-110.97961

Directions:

From Young, head south on AZ-288 for 28 miles to a pull-off on the left just across from Forest Road 488.  Park without blocking the gate.

Map:

Hike Description:

Begin hiking down FR-488 across the road.  The trail passes the rim of Parker Creek Canyon.

At 1.5 miles, turn left to get off the forest road, cross the first wash and hike over to the next drainage into the canyon.  The draw is very steep and the surface is loose gravel, which is slippery.

Descend down the draw to the canyon floor.  Parker Creek Falls is just upstream.  This is the only waterfall in the canyon that can be reached without technical gear.

Blog Entries:

19-Apr-2019: Canyoneering Parker Creek